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Norwalk Councilwoman Won't Seek Re-Election

Norwalk Councilwoman Kelly L. Straniti, R-District D, will not seek a fourth term this year, according to a statement from the Republican Town Committee.

Straniti, the council majority leader, said she wants to spend more time with her family, especially her 16-year-old son Emerson, a junior at Notre Dame High School in Fairfield. "This is one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make in a long time, as I truly enjoy serving the residents of Norwalk,” Straniti is quoted as saying. “But my son will be off to college in one year, and this is his last year at home. Sixteen years have gone by in the blink of an eye, and I don't want to miss another second."

Straniti was elected to the Common Council in 2005 and served as minority leader for two years. When the Republicans took control in 2009, she became chair of the Ordinance Committee. She has been majority leader for the past year. As Ordinance chair she crafted legislation to regulate massage establishments in Norwalk. The ordinance was passed with bipartisan support of the full council and went into effect last December.

Straniti says she is honored and privileged to have been elected three times by the voters in District D, according to the statement. "I am humbled that my constituents have reaffirmed their support of the work I have done on the council for the past six years. I think I have helped to make Norwalk a better place by working with this administration to promote low tax increases, fixing the city's infrastructure, preserving open space and advancing quality of life issues in neighborhoods," she said.

Straniti says that working with the other nine members of the Republican Caucus has been rewarding and made the decision not to run even more difficult. "We have a great team and I consider each member of our caucus a personal friend," she said. "We have all brought different perspectives to the table and haven't always agreed on everything, but every one of us has had an open mind and listened to the other. I do plan to stay active in the community but will definitely miss working so closely with all of them. However, in my heart, I know that I have made the choice that is best for my family and me at this time, and I look forward to being a full time mom and wife again."

"We fully understand the time constraints needed to run a successful campaign and respect Kelly's decision. I know how much she enjoys working to make Norwalk a great city. Despite this disappointing news, I am confident that we will field a complete slate of candidates in District D this fall," Art Scialabba, Norwalk Republican Town Chairman, said in the release.

What do you think of Kelly Straniti’s tenure as a councilwoman? Comment below!

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